Express lanes allotted for dengue patients

MANILA, Philippines - Express lanes for dengue patients are now in place in healthcare facilities to ensure that immediate attention is given to patients, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) said yesterday.

PHAPi president Rustico Jimenez said frontline health workers assigned at the express lanes are tasked to spot possible dengue cases. 

“Express lanes are important to give the right diagnosis and treat patients immediately,” Jimenez said.

He said dengue shows similar symptoms with typhoid fever and urinary tract infection and it is important to distinguish them correctly.

He advised the public to observe anti-dengue measures as the Department of Health recorded 78,808 cases, including 233 deaths, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 5.

The figure is 16.5 percent higher than last year.

 DOH spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy said the express lanes would hasten treatment of suspected dengue cases.

Lee Suy said although dengue is associated with the rainy season, it is now considered a year-round disease.

He advised the public to observe precautionary measures, as dengue outbreaks are still possible even when the country is experiencing El Niño.